We are living in a dark era; a time filled with deception and fear...the twin gate-posts of hell. Trim the wick and light your lanterns. Seek the truth, shine the light into the darkest of corners, to continue the Revolution of Light and watch the cockroaches run for cover.

A new report advanced to RAW STORY Thursday suggests that Chris Matthews, the star of the MSNBC's daily talk show Hardball, has accepted hefty speaking fees from an array of conservative trade associations.

Matthews has given speeches to at least ten major conservative trade associations since 2001. The report's author, Dave Johnson, who blogs at Seeing The Forest and is also a fellow at the progressive Commonweal Institute, could find no records indicating that Matthews has spoken before any Democratic-leaning organizations. The report is not a product of the Commonweal Institute.

'Why is Matthews speaking at so many events with Republican-associated trade organizations?' Johnson asks. 'What is NBC policy on speaking engagements and why does NBC keep it hidden? Are these trade associations paying Matthews to purchase influence?'